Members | UTRGV

Members

FACULTY

Philip Gerard Gasquoine, Ph.D.

Professor

philip.gasquoine@utrgv.edu

DOCTORAL STUDENTS

Breana McCormack

Fifth Year Doctoral Research Student

breana.mccormack01@utrgv.edu

Breana McCormack

Breana McCormack
Fifth Year Doctoral Research Student
Department of Psychological Science
Email: breana.mccormack01@utrgv.edu

Breana McCormack is currently a fifth year doctoral student. She was born in San Ramon, California, and spent most of her childhood in Edinburg, Texas. In 2017, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas State University. Breana is currently a 2nd-year doctoral student pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her research interests lie in the development of neuropsychological assessments, cross-cultural validity, and the implementation of technology in the assessment process. She is particularly passionate about working with pediatric populations with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD, and is a strong advocate for accessible and effective mental health care. Her commitment to improving the assessment of underrepresented groups is reflected in her research and her dedication to serving the Rio Grande Valley community.

Denise Carriaga

Third Year Doctoral Research Student

denise.carriaga01@utrgv.edu

Denise Carriaga

Denise Carriaga
Third Year Doctoral Research Student
Department of Psychological Science
Email: denise.carriaga01@utrgv.edu

Denise Carriaga is currently a third year doctoral student. She graduated from Texas A&M University in August 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. Her research interests include investigating the effects of music therapy on anterograde memory in Alzheimer's and dementia patients of the Valley. The RGV has always held a special place in Denise's heart and will always be her home. Therefore, she hopes to give back to her community by pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at UTRGV and later help treat the community that raised her as the person she is today. In her spare time, Denise likes to read, write, play with her dogs, spend time with family, and play mariachi and classical music on her violin.

GRADUATES

Gabriela Ontiveros, Ph.D.

gabriela.ontiveros@utrgv.edu

Gabriela Ontiveros, Ph.D.

Gabriela Ontiveros, Ph.D.
Department of Psychological Science
Email: gabriela.ontiveros@utrgv.edu

Gabriela Ontiveros was a member of the inaugural cohort of UTRGV's Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology. She distinguished herself by being the first to succesfully defend a dissertation in this program, setting a precedent for excellence and leadership within the program. After completing an emphasis in neuropsychology - involving coursework, practicums, and research projects - she completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Ontiveros brings expertise in the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral conditions across diverse populations. She integrates clinical practice with teaching, preparing students to apply evidence-based approaches in both academic and healthcare settings. Dr. Ontiveros’ professional work reflects a strong commitment to mentorship, clinical training, and bridging research with real-world application. She remains actively engaged in the International Neuropsychological Society, advancing the field of neuropsychology while supporting the growth of future practitioners and scholars. She is currently completing post-doctoral work at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Psychology Clinic.

Eros Perez, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Eros Perez, Ph.D.

Eros Perez, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Northern Light Health

Dr. Perez is a clinical neuropsychologist who joined the Northern Light Neuropsychology Department in 2021. He specializes in the assessment of adults with suspected or confirmed neuropsychiatric condition (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Lewy body, Parkinson’s diseases, brain injury). He has a specific interest in evaluating candidates for deep brain stimulation surgery.

Dr. Perez grew up in Cuba and moved to the United States (Florida) in 1994. He completed his neuropsychology training at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where he specialized in the evaluation of adults with neuropsychiatric conditions in English and Spanish. He enjoys Maine’s weather, nature, culture, and cuisine.